The ebb and flow of Oscar season has yet to really start in earnest, but at this early juncture 'The Ides of March' is currently on the short-list of presumed Best Picture nominees. Does the George Clooney-directed drama have enough to go the distance? "I'll tell you the movie that I love the most. I love George Clooney's movie, 'The Ides of March,'" said Oscar kingpin Harvey Weinstein to Vulture. "I love politics, and this movie is the best political movie -- it's gotta be right up there with the best of the best. Seriously, it is the toughest, most incisive, no-bullshit movie I've seen this year." With a fawning review like that, it's not surprising that Weinstein predicts 'Ides' will garner nominations for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor (Ryan Gosling). Or maybe he just wants Oscar voters to think 'Ides' is the favorite so his Oscar hopeful -- the potential awards juggernaut 'The Artist' -- remains the underdog. Crafty, Harvey! Don't be surprised if Weinstein next praises 'War Horse,' 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close' and 'The Descendants.' [Vulture]